Tawny Nurse Shark

Overview

The Tawny Nurse Shark is a large, robust carpet shark widely distributed across the tropical Indo-Pacific. Known for its docile nature, this species is frequently encountered by divers while resting in sheltered reef areas during the day.

Distribution & habitat

This species inhabits coastal waters from South Africa and the Red Sea through the Indian Ocean to the central Pacific, including Japan and Australia. It is typically found on or near the bottom in lagoons, sandy flats, and around coral or rocky reefs, ranging from the intertidal zone to depths of approximately 70 meters.

Appearance

The Tawny Nurse Shark has a cylindrical body with a broad, flattened head and a wedge-shaped snout. It is distinguished from similar species by its angular, pointed-tipped dorsal fins and narrow, sickle-shaped pectoral fins. Its coloration is generally tan to brown dorsally and paler ventrally, though individuals can adjust their hue to match their surroundings.

Biology & behavior

Primarily nocturnal, these sharks spend their daylight hours resting in caves or crevices, often congregating in piles of two dozen or more individuals. They exhibit high site fidelity, frequently returning to the same resting spots. While generally calm, they are capable of defending themselves if harassed and may "spit" water or spin when hooked.

Feeding

At night, the Tawny Nurse Shark actively hunts along the seafloor. It uses powerful suction to extract prey from holes and crevices, feeding primarily on octopus, crustaceans, sea urchins, and small reef fishes.